MAPUSA
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rejected a review application seeking a stay on the demolition order of the well-known nightclub, bar and restaurant "Curlies," situated in Anjuna.
The decision, issued mid-last week, upholds the tribunal's previous ruling and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority's (GCZMA) order, paving the way for the demolition of the iconic establishment.
The review petition was filed by Linet Nunes, the owner of Curlies, who sought to challenge the NGT's demolition order on May 31 and the earlier GCZMA directive from July 21, 2016.
However, the NGT reiterated its position, emphasising that no structure existed on Survey No. 42/10 prior to 1991, as confirmed by a technical report from Remote Sensing Instruments, Hyderabad.
The tribunal treated this report as conclusive evidence, dismissing the appeal and maintaining that the structure was illegally constructed.
In its latest ruling, the NGT stated, "We are of the view that no variation is required to be there in the judgment, review of which is sought by the appellant in the present application."
The tribunal rejected the defence presented by the applicant, concluding that the findings in the original order were sound and did not warrant any changes.
The May 2024 demolition order mandated the removal of the illegal ground-plus-one structure located on Survey No 42/10, within the jurisdiction of the Anjuna panchayat.
The NGT found that the structure had also encroached upon adjacent plots, including Survey Nos 42/9, 11, 45/19, and 45/41.
The matter had been reheard by the NGT following a Supreme Court directive in January 2023, which called for a fresh opportunity for both the applicant and the coastal authority to present their cases, and for the tribunal to issue a new order based on the law.
The bench ultimately found that the owner's claims regarding the existence of the structure prior to the 1991 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification were unsubstantiated.
The 1991 CRZ notification prohibits new constructions in designated coastal areas to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Additionally, the GCZMA's earlier order required the restoration of the land to its original state.
With the rejection of the review petition, the demolition of Curlies is set to proceed, marking the end of an era for one of Goa's most famous beachside establishments.
